CX54WEK
Well-Known Member
We found quite the opposite.
Strange how two people can boat the same waters and have such different experiences
Strange how two people can boat the same waters and have such different experiences
Thames vs Broads
- Thread starter miket
- Start date
ianc1200
Well-Known Member
It is strange, and from your wonderful photographic posts you've certainly got around around a lot more than me. Perhaps it's also something to do with basing ourselves in Horning last (& this) season which is a very popular area, whereas 2015 we were on the Waveney which was less crowded.
Another issue which is different are the large hire boats seen on the Broads. Many at 45-50', in much better condition than the Thames equivalents, and many very new. They tend to have descriptions on the sides (to tempt future hirers) and diesel electric hybrids now seen, and we noticed one which stated it had a whirlpool bath!
Another issue which is different are the large hire boats seen on the Broads. Many at 45-50', in much better condition than the Thames equivalents, and many very new. They tend to have descriptions on the sides (to tempt future hirers) and diesel electric hybrids now seen, and we noticed one which stated it had a whirlpool bath!
CX54WEK
Well-Known Member
They put a limit on the size of the hire boats didn't they? From memory 45ft.
We tend to try and fit as much in as possible in the 7 days or so we get there each trip.
Last year we came in at Oulton Broad and had few days on the south visiting Gelderstone, Worlingham, Reedham, Loddon and Surlingham. Before heading across to the North and calling in at Yarmouth, Stokesby, Acle, Wroxham, Coltishall, Horning, Sutton, Stalham, Ranworth, Potter Heigham and St Bennets before heading back out for some peace and quiet and a few days at Southwold before heading back to Wells and then on to Boston an home again up the Witham to Lincoln.
We had a look at some of the newer hire boats and they are beautiful. But I wouldn't be spending £2.5k a week to hire one in July!
ChrisJBSC
Active Member
Our last hire boat on the broads:
The first two became requirements for our own boat. The third one didn't even make it to the bottom of the list of possible home improvements!
The first two became requirements for our own boat. The third one didn't even make it to the bottom of the list of possible home improvements!
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prof pat pending
Well-Known Member
We found quite the opposite.
Strange how two people can boat the same waters and have such different experiences
Time of year can make a huge difference. School holiday periods are in my experience quite manic. There can be quite literally swarms of day boats, while the hire boats all race for the prime mooring spots (outside the pubs). If you happen to find a swarm during a race it's quite daunting if you are the only one concerned about your boat.
I get the attraction for the hire boaters though, locks can be quite daunting if you've not done them before, lots of cruising area, lots of waterside pubs who rely on the holiday makers, win win
CX54WEK
Well-Known Member
Unfortunately for us to make the most of the Broads trip we have to go in July to get the lighter nights and a couple of day time tides each day. Which lands us smack bang into the school holidays.
We enjoy it, see it as part of the adventure.
CX54WEK
Well-Known Member
None of that luxury for us on the hire boat this year. We are slumming it on this one:
http://www.richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk/boats/viscount/
Be a bit different from what we have become accustomed too on Naughty-Cal!